July 7-10, 2025
Experience mathematics from a new and exciting perspective!
The GirlsDoMath Camp will provide an opportunity for girls who love mathematics to come together to engage in the exploration, research, and discussion of mathematical ideas. During this four-day experience, the girls will investigate fun enrichment topics guided by female professors and undergraduate mathematics students who will foster a supportive and motivating environment.
During the camp, participants will:
- Investigate fun topics in mathematics that are not typically taught in middle school. This year’s theme is Knot Theory.
- Meet other girls with a passion for mathematics.
- Explore a research topic as part of a group.
- Learn about some of the many contributions of women to the field of mathematics.
- Examine math-related careers and meet women who are in such careers.
- Enjoy fun break activities such as a square dance, a tai chi brain break, and team competitions.
- Present their group's research results at an "end-of-camp" reception.
- Spend time on the university campus and utilize some of the resources available at CMU.
Camp Schedule
Each day, we will begin with social time and lunch from 11:30-12:15. The awesome math will start at 12:30pm. The first two days of camp will be spent investigating an exciting new math topic. On day three, the girls will work together in groups to explore a related topic in more depth and on day four, they will wrap up their research and prepare a presentation to show off their project at the end-of-camp reception! Family members, teachers, and counselors are encouraged to come and see the results of their student’s hard work.
Eligibility
All girls entering 8th or 9th grade who love mathematics and are excited about spending four days learning about a new math topic are invited to apply. In order to provide individualized attention to each camper, we will accept up to 20 students to the camp. Due to the nature of the camp content and schedule, as well as our limited enrollment, applicants must commit to attending the full camp (4 days, 4.5 hours each day).
Cost
Thanks to the support of the CMU Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Math Outreach Campaign during the CMU Foundation’s Day of Giving crowdfunding event, this year’s camp will be free to all admitted students.
How to Apply
Complete the application form* by clicking on the link below. For full consideration, please apply by Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Applicants will be notified of acceptance no later than June 27, so keep an eye on your email.
*Note: The Student Application includes a short essay. Responses in the online Student Application form can NOT be saved and submitted later, so before you begin, please review the first page of the application, and prepare your response to the essay question.
Post-Camp Activities
We are tentatively planning two organized events during the 2025-26 Academic Year where camp participants will have the opportunity to reconnect with each other and with the camp leaders and learn even more cool math!!! Watch for emails or school flyers for our GirlsDoMath After School events.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact:
Dr. Cathy Bonan-Hamada ([email protected])
or Dr. Lisa Driskell ([email protected]).